Bipolar Disorder:This type of disorder alternates moods between the highs of mania and the lows of depression. The "mood swings" associated with this order can change very quickly and cause extreme shifts in mood, energy, thinking, and behavior. The cycles of this disorder may last for day, weeks, or months.
Effects of Everyday Life:The symptoms of bipolar disorder and unlike any regular mood swings. The mood swings are so intense that they can interfere with a person's inability to function. During the manic stage a person may impulsively quit a job, charge excessive amounts on a credit card, or feel rested after two hours of sleep. During the depression stage this person may have a difficult time getting out of bed and want to sulk about unemployment and the amount of debt they are in. There are treatments that can help a person with bipolar disorder lead a normal life.
Symptoms: Manic Stage:
Agitation or irritation
Elevated mood or feeling unusually optimistic
Inflated Self-esteem
Little need for sleep & a lot of energy
Over-involvement in activities
Reckless behavior
Poor Tempor Control
Racing thoughts
Easily Distracted
Depressed Stage:
Difficulty Concentrating
Loss of appetite or overeating
Feeling of worthlessness
Low self-esteem
Persistent sadness of thoughts of death
Excessive sleep or little sleep
Suicidal thoughts
Stop doing activities that are enjoyed.
Withdrawal from friends.
Diagnosis: Visit your health care provider who may take the following actions.
They may ask if anyone in your family has had a medical history of bipolar disorder.
Ask about your recent mood swings and how long have you had them for.
Observe your behavior and mood.
Do an examination to rule out any physical causes for the symptoms.
Ask for laboratory tests to check for drug levels or thyroid problems.
Speak with your family members
Take a medical history.
Treatment: The most effective treatment for bipolar disorder is a combination of medication, therapy, social support, and lifestyle changes. Lithium is often used to treat the manic stage of bipolar disorder. Antidepressants are the typical treatment for the depression stage. It is important to continue all types of treatment even when you are feeling better because bipolar disorder is a chronic, relapsing illness.
Effects of Everyday Life:The symptoms of bipolar disorder and unlike any regular mood swings. The mood swings are so intense that they can interfere with a person's inability to function. During the manic stage a person may impulsively quit a job, charge excessive amounts on a credit card, or feel rested after two hours of sleep. During the depression stage this person may have a difficult time getting out of bed and want to sulk about unemployment and the amount of debt they are in. There are treatments that can help a person with bipolar disorder lead a normal life.
Symptoms:
Manic Stage:
Depressed Stage:
Diagnosis: Visit your health care provider who may take the following actions.
Treatment:
The most effective treatment for bipolar disorder is a combination of medication, therapy, social support, and lifestyle changes. Lithium is often used to treat the manic stage of bipolar disorder. Antidepressants are the typical treatment for the depression stage. It is important to continue all types of treatment even when you are feeling better because bipolar disorder is a chronic, relapsing illness.
Watch a video on bipolar disorder
For more information visit:
http://helpguide.org/mental/http://www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/mentalhealth/Pages/Bipolardisordervideo.aspx
https://health.google.com/health/ref/Bipolar+disorder